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Mitchell SEA approves grants for Pickleball tournament, Hansen Classic and Country Fest
Summary
The Mitchell Sports Events Authority approved SEA awards Dec. 4, 2024, granting $2,500 to a first‑annual Mitchell Pickleball Tournament, $3,000 to the Hansen Boys & Girls Classic and $7,500 toward a North Dakota Country Fest after reviewing financials and event evaluations.
The Mitchell Sports Events Authority voted Dec. 4, 2024, to award $13,000 in SEA funding to three local events aimed at drawing visitors and hotel room nights. The board approved $2,500 to launch a first‑annual Mitchell Pickleball indoor tournament, $3,000 to support the long‑running Hansen Boys & Girls Classic and $7,500 toward a North Dakota Country Fest slated for April at the Corn Palace.
The board’s financial report showed year‑to‑date awarded checks of $100,360 and an available fund balance of $44,640 after one outstanding $5,000 award. Staff reported collections through November of $290,632, equating to about 47,731 room nights, and reviewed evaluation forms for recent events that recorded strong attendance and hotel use.
Tyler Pyre, who identified himself as “the new athletic director here at Hansen,” asked the Authority to continue the tournament sponsorship historically provided to the Hansen Classic and requested $1,500 per tournament. “A big thing I know with that is kinda where those funds are allocated,” Pyre said, explaining past awards have subsidized hospitality for coaches, officials and volunteers. Pyre noted the event’s long history and regional draw, saying the Classic has been run for “42 and 43 years” and brings teams that travel, generating hotel stays and local spending.
Dan Buechelman, who presented the Country Fest proposal, described plans to bring performers to the Corn Palace and estimated at least 125 additional hotel room nights for a Friday night. “The sponsorship need in total for the local for Mitchell is $20,000,” Buechelman said, adding that promoters expect strong social‑media interest and will handle ticketing and concessions while the Corn Palace provides the venue.
An organizer of the proposed Mitchell Pickleball Tournament asked the Authority for $2,500 to cover startup costs and prize awards. The organizer said registrations were approaching the 80‑player goal and estimated the tournament would generate more than 50 room nights. “So I’m asking for 2,500 just to kind of get us going,” the organizer said.
After returning from a brief executive session, the board voted on the applications. A motion by Jocko, seconded by Brian, approved the $2,500 award for the pickleball tournament; the motion passed with a recorded abstention by Kim. The Hansen Classic request was approved by motion of Brian, seconded by Tim, for $3,000 total ($1,500 per tournament). Bridal moved, and Tim seconded, an award of $7,500 for the Country Fest; that motion also passed.
Staff also highlighted upcoming SEA‑funded events, including the Hoop City Classic (SEA award $12,500) and the South Dakota Fire Instructors Conference ($4,210), and briefed the board on two event‑marketing platforms (Sports Tourism Index and Play Easy) intended to help track room nights and respond to requests for proposals.
The board said it will meet next in February. The meeting adjourned after the funding votes.
